'Sinners' DP Autumn Durald Arkapaw makes Oscar history as first woman to win best cinematography
Autumn Durald Arkapaw makes #Oscars history as the first woman to win Best Cinematography. https://t.co/YBpBNrjGYM
— News (@Aliy16y) March 16, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: “Sinners” cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history at the 98th Academy Awards by becoming the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Arkapaw, who has Filipino and African American Creole roots, received this award.
During her acceptance speech, she thanked the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, expressing gratitude for his belief in her and for trusting her work. She added that she feels fortunate to make films with someone like him. The Oscar event took place on Sunday, March 15.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw secures historic Oscar win
Before Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s historic win, only three women had ever been nominated in this category at the Academy Awards: Rachel Morrison in 2018 for 'Mudbound', Ari Wegner in 2021 for 'The Power of the Dog', and Mandy Walker in 2022 for 'Elvis'.
Arkapaw reached another milestone while working on 'Sinners,' becoming the first female cinematographer to shoot a film using IMAX 65mm and Ultra Panavision formats.
During her speech, Arkapaw also acknowledged fellow cinematographer Rachel Morrison and the support she received from women in the industry. She said, “I have felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign and gotten to meet so many people, and I just feel like moments like this happen because of you guys, and I want to thank you for that.”
Arkapaw was nominated alongside Adolpho Veloso for 'Train Dreams', Michael Bauman for 'One Battle After Another', Dan Laustsen for 'Frankenstein', and Darius Khondji for 'Marty Supreme'.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw won several awards before her Oscar win
Before taking home the Oscar, Arkapaw had already received multiple critics’ awards for her work on 'Sinners'. She also earned nominations from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, the Critics' Choice Association Awards, and the American Society of Cinematographers Awards.
'Sinners' marked her second collaboration with director Ryan Coogler, following their work on 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'. In an interview with Variety last year, Arkapaw said their creative partnership is built on mutual trust and support.
